Friends, family and academic colleagues gathered in a solemn, yet celebratory atmosphere recently in honour of Mrs. Mabel Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies, as her remains was interred at the Redemption City cemetery, Mowe in Ogun State, on Friday, January 9, 2026. Until her death at the age of 61 on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Charles-Davies was a Professor in the Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Ibadan.
During the funeral service held at the RCCG House of Favour Parish in Redemption City Mowe, Rev. Dr. Friday Bekee, who delivered a message titled “The Death of a Saint” described her death as a triumph and transition, not a loss. “A saint is a treasured possession of God. When a saint dies, he finds himself in the presence of the Lord” While paying tribute, Bekee said, “I have heard of praying mothers. You epitomized one. You were a mother who did not only carry your children in your natural womb; you carried them in your spiritual womb. Many may see your children today and count them fortunate. Yes, they were fortunate to have had a praying mother who sometimes spent sleepless nights and foodless days before the Throne of grace interceding on their behalf. I celebrate the grace of God you carried.”
A committed scholar from the start, Prof Charles-Davies began her tertiary education at the University of Port Harcourt in 1981, earning a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry in 1985, got her Master’s degree in Chemical Pathology (1987) and Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D, (2000) at the University of Ibadan. She earned several Professional Certifications and attended numerous training workshops within and outside Nigeria thereafter.
Her academic career officially began on April 26, 2004, when she joined the Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ibadan as Lecturer 1. From that very day, it became clear she was destined for greatness. Her commitment, excellence, and integrity left an indelible mark on her students, colleagues, and the university community. She rose through the ranks with distinction and was appointed Senior Lecturer on October 1, 2010; then promoted to Reader on 1st of October, 2017. Her long-awaited elevation to the rank of Professor of Chemical Pathology came on the 29th of October, 2025 (backdated to 2020), a milestone that crowned over two decades of remarkable scholarship, teaching, mentorship, and leadership.
In a condolence message to her family, the management, staff and students of UCH, Ibadan wrote, “Her contributions to the field of Clinical Chemistry and Chemical Pathology have left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of scholars and professionals. Thus, her appointment as the President of African Federation of Clinical Chemistry (AFCC) from 2023 to 2024 is a testament to her excellence in these fields.” Also expressing grief over her death, the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) described Prof. Charles-Davies as an embodiment of everything that is best about Laboratory Medicine – professionalism, commitment and compassion; “Our hearts are broken with losing a great scientist and friend.
Dr. Dominion Charles –Davies, the widower of the deceased described her late wife as an embodiment of the biblical virtuous woman on her feet, “She was hardworking, generous to a fault, hospitable, with child-like heart and God-fearing”. In his own tribute, her eldest son, Dr. Tamunoibi Charles-Davies says, “You showed us that a life lived for others is a life well lived. You showed uncommon interest in the well-being of others even when you had your own personal tasks and ambitions. You were excemplary of the term ‘Sacrificial’ and yours was unique because it was done with smiles.
Professor Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies is survived by husband, Dr. Charles-Davies, 3 children, Dr. Tamunoibi Dominion, Dr. Omiete Ajumonimia and Mr. Diepriye; grand-children, mother, brothers and sisters.
𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
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𝗔𝗕𝗖-9239 – L-R, Dr. Dominion Charles –Davies (widower), Dr. Tamunoibi Charles-Davies (son) and Mr & Mrs Diepriye Charles-Davies (son & daughter-in-law), during the funeral service for Late Prof. Mabel Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies at RCCG House of Favour Parish in Redemption City, Mowe in Ogun State
𝗔𝗕𝗖-9335 – R-L, Dr. Tamunoibi Charles-Davies (son), Dr. Dominion Charles –Davies (widower), and Mr & Mrs Diepriye Charles-Davies (son & daughter-in-law), during the funeral service for Late Prof. Mabel Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies at RCCG House of Favour Parish in Redemption City, Mowe in Ogun State
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𝗔𝗕𝗖-9493 – R-L, , Dr. Dominion Charles –Davies (widower), Dr. Tamunoibi Charles-Davies (son) and Mr & Mrs Diepriye Charles-Davies (son & daughter-in-law), during the interment of Late Prof. Mabel Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies at RCCG Cemetery in Redemption City, Mowe in Ogun State
𝗔𝗕𝗖-9506 — Late Prof. Mabel Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies
𝗔𝗕𝗖-9513 — Late Prof. Mabel Ayebatonyo Charles-Davies